Our Methodology

ARCO's projects follow the same proven seven-phase methodology, from concept through to completion, drawn from 125+ years of combined team experience. It's the process that locks in your budget and programme before construction starts, and it's the same process referenced across every ARCO capability.

This is also how ARCO delivers on the two things clients tell us matter most: single-team accountability and commercial certainty. One accountable team runs the whole process, so budget and programme decisions stay aligned from the first concept drawing through to handover.

PHASE 01 / 07

Detailed Concept Drawings

Scope of works

Design development and refinement
Consultant team collaboration and input
Preparation of draft finishes schedule
Early Contractor Engagement and input

Key deliverables

Floor plans, elevations, and cross sections
3D conceptual models
Project fly-through visualisations

PHASE 02 / 07

Scope of works

Preparation of budgetary costings from suppliers and subcontractors
Review and validation of project programmes with contractor input

Key deliverables

Comprehensive project cost report
Detailed construction delivery programme
Project milestones schedule

Budget Check

PHASE 03 / 07

Preconstruction Services Agreement

Scope of works

Execution of pre-construction services agreement to formalise engagement of project delivery
NZS3915 Design & Build contract agreement

PHASE 04 / 07

Scope of works

Preparation of developed design drawings
Coordination with consultants, contractors, and stakeholders
Development of technical specifications
Design compliance & regulatory review
Risk identification & mitigation

Key deliverables

Design reports & documentation
Comprehensive project risk register
Approved quality management plan
3D models & visualisations

Development Design

PHASE 05 / 07

Scope of works

Preparation of fixed-price costings from suppliers and subcontractors
Review and validation of project programmes with contractor input

Key deliverables

Executed fixed-price construction contract
Confirmed project delivery programme
Formal contract agreement
Detailed construction delivery programme
Milestone schedule highlighting key project dates

Contract Costings

PHASE 06 / 07

Scope of works

Preparation of detailed design drawings
Coordination with consultants, contractors, and stakeholders
Development of technical specifications
Final contractor pre-qualification and approval
Implementation of quality control strategy

Key deliverables

Complete building consent documentation
Project milestones schedule
Comprehensive project risk register
Approved quality management plan

Detailed Design

PHASE 07 / 07

Construction

Scope of works

Mobilisation of site team and resources
Enabling works and site preparation
Site establishment and setup
Construction management and supervision
Ongoing construction observation and quality assurance
Stakeholder and communications management
Contract administration and management
Project financial control and reporting
Commissioning of systems and facilities

Key deliverables

Fully completed project
Issued Code of Compliance
Commissioning reports and handover documentation

The ARCO Difference

One team

Design, project management, civils and construction all sit under one roof, so nothing gets lost between separate consultants and contractors.

Cost and programme certainty

Direct control over budgeting, sequencing and delivery keeps your project aligned to budget and timeline, start to finish.

Early contractor involvement

We get involved before construction starts, so buildability issues and cost risks get caught early, not after the fact.

Proven in complex, live environments

We deliver on live, operational sites, education, healthcare and commercial settings, where safety always comes first, alongside continuity and the quality of the build.

In-house capability

Architectural design, civil engineering, project management and our own carpentry teams all sit under one roof, giving you direct control over quality and programme.